Ethanol Inhibits the Metabolism of the Multiple Sclerosis Drug Dimethyl Fumarate to its Active Metabolite and Decreases Brain Exposure.

Ethanol inhibits the hydrolysis of dimethyl fumarate to active monomethyl fumarate by carboxylesterase 1 and has a drastic effect on the disposition of dimethyl fumarate and monomethyl fumarate. The therapeutic effect of dimethyl fumarate is likely to be significantly altered by the consumption of ethanol or other drug that inhibits carboxylesterase 1 potentially altering the beneficial effect of chronic dimethyl fumarate therapy on Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.